TS 227 
.L6 
Copy 1 




THE 
UNDE 



COMPANY 




1 l„^' 



© 



The 

Linde Air Products 

Company 



OFFICES: 

BUFFALO. CHICAGO. CINCINNATI. 

CLEVELAND. NEW YORK. 

PITTSBURGH. 

WORKS: 

PLANT No. 1. PLANT No. 2, PLANT No. 3. PLANT No. 4. 

BUFFALO. CHICAGO. ELIZABETH. TRAFFORD. 



No. 184 



Copyrighted 1911 

by 

CECIL LIGHTFOOT 



■^ 



©CI.A291259 



INDEX. 

PAGE 

Acetylene Apparatus 10-14 

Automatic Constant Pressure Regulators, . . . 16, 17, 22, 23 

Blowpii)es, 18-21 

Blo\vi)ipes, Instructions for Use of 26 

Blowpipes, Notes on '. 28 

Cylinders, 31, 32 

Cylinders, Rent on 30 

Fitting's and Sundries, 33 

Generators (Acetylene), Size of 14 

" " Stationary Type, 10, 11 

" " Self-contained Type, 12 

" Duplex Type 11 

Hydraulic Back-])ressure ^'aIves, 24 

Instructions for Using the Blowpipe, . . ; 26 

Introduction, 5 

Oxygen, 29 

Portable Welding Plant, l3 

Railway Classification 6 

Regulators, . 16, 17, 22, 23 

Rent, 30 

Terms, 7 

Testing and Annealing Marks, 31. 32 

Welding Cast Iron, 33 

Welding Steel 33 

Welding Heads, .20 

Welding, Illustrations of .... 37-49 

Welding, Notes on 34 

Welding Outfit, Diagram of 27 

Welding Plant, Complete Portable, . 13 

Wrenches, 19, 23 



List of Linde Plants at Which Compressed 
Oxygen May be Obtained. 



United States of 


America : 


Italy : 


Buffalo, N. Y 




Rome. 


Chicago, 111. 




Milan. 


Elizabeth, N. 


J. 


Spain : 


Trafford, Pa. 




Barcelona. 


Great Britain: 




Russia : 


London. 




St. Petersburg. 


Birmingham. 




Kharkof. 


Manchester. 




Switzerland : 


Cardiff. 




Lucerne. 


Newcastle-on- 


-Tyne. 


Biilach. 


Glasgow. 




Norway and Sweden: 


Germany : 




Stockholm. 


Munich. 






Cologne. 




Holland: 


Berlin. 




Rotterdam. 


Diisseldorf. 




India : 


Miilheim. 




Calcutta. 


Kirchdrauf. 




LTnion of South Africa: 


Amberg. 




Cape Town. 


Dresden. 






Niirnberg. 




Republic of Argentine 


x\uSTRIA : 




Buenos Aires. 


^'ienna. 




Brazil: 


Gumpoldskirchen. 


Rio de Janeiro. 


Bucharest. 




Australia : 


France : 




Melbourne. 


Paris. 






Toulouse. 




China: 


Marseilles. 




Shanghai. 



INTRODUCTION. 

THE use of the Oxy-Acetyleiie Hlowpij^e for welding' and cutting" 
metals is now recognized as an important factor in the eco- 
nomical operation of modern engineering establishments. 
It is only during comjjaratively recent years that this Blowj)ipe 
has been employed on any considerable scale in the United States 
of America, previous to which the development of its use was limited, 
chiefly owing to the absence of any satisfactory source of supi)ly 
of the necessary oxygen, at a price which would allow of its use 
commercially. Since the installation of the first j)lant of The Linde 
Air Products Company at Buffalo in 1907, this handicaj) has 
been removed. The result of this has been the remarkable growth 
of a new industry, and to meet the increased demand for oxygen 
it was not only found necessary to duplicate the Buffalo Plant, 
but to erect other plants. In September, 1910, the Chicago Plant 
was constructed and ])ut into oi:)eration by the Company, and two 
other plants — one at Elizabeth, N. J., and the other at Trafford, 
Pa. — have just been completed. In addition to this other factories 
will be erected in the near future. In this way an unlimited suj)- 
ply of pure compressed oxygen, ready for immediate use, may be 
obtained everywhere under the most favorable conditions for in- 
dustrial application, at a price that no other known method of 
production can compete with. 

The Company have also found it necessary to increase their 
facilities for the construction of welding and cutting apparatus, 
and have recently added to their manufacturing department two 
new bays, equipped with modern machine tools of all descriptions. 
Research and experimental work is carried on continuously, and 
demonstration and instruction in the use of the Oxy- Acetylene 
Blowpipe is given at all the Comjiany's plants. 

The Company guarantee that all oxygen supplied by them 
contains not less than 97 per cent, of pure oxygen, and is abso- 
lutely free from the oxides of carbon, hydrocarbons, chlorine, and 
other deleterious impurities. i\ll cylinders filled by the Company 
(whether their own or their Customers) bear one of the Company's 
labels when sent out from their factory, and this label guarantees the 
purity of the gas. Customers purchasing the Company's gas are 
requested to see that this label is attached to their cylinders. 



The Linde process of manufacturing oxygen from the air has 
practically superseded all other known methods of manufacturing 
oxygen. At the present time many millions of cubic feet of oxygen 
are being produced monthly by this method, whilst the consumption 
is increasing daily. 

Briefly explained, the pi'ocess consists in the first instance in the 
complete liquefaction of the air to be resolved, bj^ a process of accu- 
mulative cooling. The liquid thus formed is then submitted to a 
process of rectification at the same time that an almost complete 
transference of heat is obtained from the compressed air entering the 
apparatus to the liquid air thus formed. In this way oxygen to a 
degree of purity up to 98 or 99 per cent, can be obtained. 

The Company also supply compressed illuminating (coal) gas 
for use in conjunction with their Oxy-Coal Gas cutting apparatus 
(see Circular D) and for other purposes. 

Railway Classification. 

All the Company's cylinders are made to their own specifications 
and they comply fully with the regulations provided in the "Red 
Book," published by the American Railway Association. 

All cylinders are subject to the inspection of one of the Com- 
pany's engineers during manufacture. They are carefully annealed, 
valved and tested hydraulically by special apparatus before being 
filled for the first time with gas (see pages 31, 32). 

Oxygen and coal gas cylinders complying with these regulations, 
if shipped subject to uniform bill of lading conditions, are conveyed 
in carload lots under rule 26; and less than carload lots under rule 
25. 

Returned empties in carload lots are accepted at fifth-class rates 
and less than carload lots at fourth-class rates if billed as "Com- 
pressed Air Cylinders," otherwise at third-class rates. 



Terms. 



Customers who have not a credit account with the Company must 
remit cash with order, in the absence of any acceptable commercial 
rating. In cases where oxygen is ordered to be su])plied in the 
Company's cylinders, a deposit is charged for book-keeping 
purposes to cover the value of these cylinders and the Customer's 
account is debited accordingly. The amount of this deposit will 
be refunded, less any rent charges which may have accrued (see 
page 30), on return of the cylinders to the Company's works, freight 
prepaid and in good condition. 

The Company reserved the right to a beneficial lien in and to 
the cylinders or other apparatus sold by it to a Customer for the 
liquidation of any overdue outstanding or current accounts existing 
between it and the said Customer whenever any such apparatus or 
cylinders come into the possession of the Company for any purpose 
whatsoever, and all sales are subject to this right, unless otherwise 
agreed at the time. 

All goods are at purchaser's risk after shi{)ment. 

In ordering, it should be clearly stated on each order how the 
goods are to be shipped, whether by freight, express, or mail. 

In the absence of shipping instructions, the Company will ship by 
what they consider the best way, cheapness, quickness and safety 
being considered. The Company will not accept any responsibility 
for loss nor delay in transit, but should miscarriage or loss occur they 
will endeavor, in the interest of the purchaser, to have the lost goods 
found, or proper restitution made by the transportation company at 
fault. 

All prices include packing and delivery f. o. b. factory, Buffalo, 
unless otherwise stated. 



The Oxy-Acetylene System of 
Autogenous Welding. 

The value of oxygen for obtaining high temperatures has long 
been recognized, and the Oxy-Acetylene welding jjrocess affords 
to engineers and others the most practical and valuable method yet 
discovered of dealing simply and economically with an immense 
variety of metallurgical operations, which have hitherto been carried 
out under less favorable conditions. 

In many cases where electric welding has been the only possible 
substitute for mechanical joints the blowpipe can now be more profit- 
ably employed, and in a large variety of work the Oxy-Acetylene 
Blowpipe method can be applied where electric welding is imprac- 
tical. In actual use it is both cheajjer and simjjler than electric 
welding. 

Autogenous welds can be effected by means of the Oxy-Acetylene 
Blowpipe, without any deleterious effect upon the metal. The heat 
is greater than that obtained from any other blowpi]:)e. 

The Linde Air Products Company desire to draw special atten- 
tion to the fact that they are always willing to weld specimen pieces 
Free of Charge, and complete installations of the apparatus may 
be inspected at any time at any of the Company's works. Demon- 
strations and instruction in the use of the blowpipe will be given 
free of charge to those interested. 

The Oxy-Acetylene system of blowpipe welding is employed in 
two systems, which may be described as the High and Low Pressure 
systems, respectively. 

The first to be introduced was the High-pressure system, 
in which both gases are delivered to the blowpipe under pressure. 
Oxygen is supplied from an ordinary trade cylinder, and acetylene 
from a cylinder in which it is dissolved in a porous material soaked 
in acetone. Acetone is a liquid hydrocarbon, which has the prop- 
erty of absorbing twenty-five times its own volume of acetylene at 
atmospheric pressure, and it continues to do this for every atmos- 
phere of pressure that is applied to the gas. It was soon found, how- 
ever, that the cost of using dissolved acetylene in this way was so high 
as to be almost prohibitive, except under special conditions, and the 
high-pressure acetylene generator was then evolved to take the place 
of the tank of acetvlene. 



Owing', however, to the eoniphcations thus involved, and the high 
initial eost of the apparatus, tiie high-pressure blowpipe is now 
being generally superseded by the far more simj)le injector or low- 
pressure blowpipe. 

A special feature of the loir-pre-ssure blowpipe is that it maii 
he employed with either high or low presstire generators with equal 
economy, and it thus offers the highest flexibility. This is in par- 
ticular of great convenience when circumstances warrant the use 
of both systems, and is an advantage not possessed by the older 
type of high-pressure blowpijje. Of the two systems, the low- 
pressure system of welding is by far the more extensively used, and 
at the present time many thousands of low-pressure blowpipes are 
in daily use. With this type of blowpipe only oxygen is required 
under pressure, so that acetylene may be taken from an ordinary 
generator of appro\'ed design. Such generators are preferably 
automatic, the absence of any positive feed mechanism, such as a 
clockwork arrangement, adding greatly to the efficiency and relia- 
bility of the process, whilst the whole apparatus is much simpler. 

A great many misleading statements have been circidated from 
time to time to the effect that the ox.ygen consumption of a blowpipe 
is a factor dependent on the pressure of the acetylene supply, and 
that one type of blowpipe — the gas consumption being the same — 
gives better results than another. The absurdity of this will be 
readily appreciated. In a properly adjusted blowpipe the unit vol- 
ume of acetylene retjuires a fixed proportion of oxygen for proper 
combustion, and develops a definite number of B. T. U. which is the 
heat available for welding. These values are absolutely independent 
of the type of blowpi])e employed and cannot be varied, being defined 
and determined by the nature of the chemical reaction which takes 
place between the oxygen and acetylene. Any statement or guar- 
antee to the contrary is imj)ossible of fulfillment, and in direct opposi- 
tion to the laws of chemistry. 

Under normal working conditions with a properly regulated flame 
less than 1.5 cubic feet of oxygen are consumed for 1 cubic foot 
of acetylene. 

The low-pressure injector blowpipe (Fouche patent) is supplied 
exclusively by The Linde Air Products Company, irho guarantee 
results. 



Acetylene Generator. 

(Standard Stationary Type) 




(Figure l) 



Figure 1 represents a standard generator of the low-pressure ty|)e, 
and is recommended for stationary use for general shop equipment. 



10 



Acetylene Generator. 

(Duplex Stationary Type) 




(Figure 2) 

Figure 2 represents a Duplex Generator, which consists of two 
Acetylene Generators and one Gasometer. The advantage of this 
type of Generator over the single type is that in addition to using 
both Generators simultaneously each Generator can be operated 
independently of the other, allowing one to be used whilst the other 
is beins; charged. 



11 



Acetylene Generator. 

(Self-contained Type) 




(Figure 3) 



Where portability is required, and in certain other cases as a sub- 
stitute for a tank of dissolved acetylene, the Company supply a high- 
pressure generator of the self-contained type, which is also entirely 
automatic in action. This generator is illustrated in Figure 3. 



12 



Complete Portable Welding Plant. 




(Figure 4) 



A complete self-contained and portable welding j^lant is illus- 
trated in Figure 4. 

It will thus be seen that Oxy-Acetylene welding apparatus with 
the low-pressure (injector) blowpipe is extremely flexible, and may 
be applied in the greatest possible number of different ways. 



13 



Size of Generators. 

The size of the acetylene generator employed is a matter of much 
importance in relation to Oxy-Acetylene welding. It may be taken 
as a general axiom with regard to acetylene that the more rapidly 
heat is generated during decomposition of the carbide, the more 
impure will be the acetylene produced, and the worse the welding 
which will be effected with the gas. 

If the decomposition of the carbide is effected with a restricted 
quantity of water, the heat evolved at the actual point of decompo- 
sition is so great that the acetylene itself becomes disassociated and 
reforms into various hydrocarbons. 

This reaction is known as "polymerization," and separate hydro- 
carbons once formed cannot afterwards be eliminated without loss 
of acetylene — that gas being itself a hydrocarbon. Furthermore, 
these hydrocarbons require more oxygen for their proper combustion 
than does acetylene, and consecpiently when acetylene arrives at the 
blowpi])e disassociated to some extent in the manner described, then 
the proportion of oxygen, which is correct for the proper combustion 
of that gas, becomes insufficient for the complete combustion of other 
hydrocarbons. On the other hand, if decomposition of the carbide 
is slow% there is no "polymerization," and these difficulties do not 
arise. 

A generator of adequate proportions, together with a holder of 
ample size for the gas consumption required, is therefore a most 
important desideratum in the selection of an acetylene j^lant for Oxy- 
Acetylene welding. The generation of acetylene should be both 
slow and regular. 

In a properly proportioned welding equipment, decomposition 
of the carbide takes place in such an excess of water that the heat 
evolved under ordinary working conditions is never sufficient to cause 
disassociation of the acetylene itself. Suitable acetylene generators 
are supplied by the Company in a great number of different sizes. 
They are supplied in three types (see pages 10-12). 



14 



Gas Pressure Gauge. 




(Figure 5) 
Price, each, $12.00 

These Pressure Gauges are useful as a means of ascertaining 
the quantity of gas in cylinders. 

To connect with cylinder valve screw the union on to the valve 
socket several turns. Then screw down the nipple in the union 
until it presses on the seat of the valve socket. Then tighten up the 
union by hand. The threads of the union being of different pitch, a 
nietal-to-metal joint is made on the ball and cone principle with very 
little pressure and without the use of a gasket. 

The gauge, as illustrated, is especially marked in atmospheres 
and cubic feet, and the contents of any cylinder may be readily 
calculated in the following manner: 

The figures on outer ring indicate in atmospheres; 120 atmos- 
pheres being the pressure to which all cylinders are charged. 

The figures on inner ring indicate the number of cubic feet of gas 
contained in a 10-foot cylinder. To calculate the quantity of gas 
contained in any cylinder, multiply the figure to which the needle 
points by the multiple of 10, thus: if the gauge is attached to a 
50-foot cylinder, and the needle points to 6, then 6x5 equals 30 
cubic feet, the quantity of gas in cylinder. (See Note on page 23.) 

The gauge is fitted with safety checks in the stem to prcA'ent a 

sudden rush of gas into the gauge tube when the cylinder valve is 

opened. 

15 



Line Regulator. 




(Figure 6) 



Price, 



each, $21.00 



This regulator is for use with the high-pressure geuerator and is 
for reguhxting the flow of acetylene from the generator and delivers 
it at the desired pressure to the supply pipe. As the length of pipe 
is increased the pressure is to be increased accordingly. The 
adjustment is made by unscrewing the adjusting screw to reduce 
or by screwing it in to increase the pressin-e. 



16 



Blowpipe Regulator. 




(Figure 7) 



Price, each, $11.00 



Figure 7 represents a regulator which is also for use with the high- 
pressure generator and regulates the flow of acetylene from the supf)ly 
pipe to the blowpipe. Its adjustment is the same as for the line 
regulator. 



17 



The Fouche Welding Blowpipe. 



Simplex No. 1 




(Figure 8) 



Simplex No. 2 



>^# 



\^i^ 




(Figure 9) 



18 



Whilst preserving the characteristics of tlie original Fouche blow- 
pipe, several new featnres have been introduced in this latest model, 
without departing from the injector principle which is the basis of 
the design and construction of the low-jjressure l)lowpii)e, and the 
reason of its reliability and economy. 

The "Simplex" Blowjjipe is so constructed that the gases enter- 
ing it are controlled by a single lever, and the construction of the head 
is such that there is a minimum niuuber of joints, therel)y reducing 
wear and tear, and assuring long life. 

The "Simplex" Blowpij)e is made in two different sizes. Each 
size is equipped with interchangeable welding heads as described 
on the following i)age. The "Simplex" Blowpipe is suitable for 
making any weld within the range of the process. 





Standard Numl)er and Sizes 
of Interchangeable Welding Heads 


PRICE 


Size of 
Blowpipe 


With 

Standard 
Heads 


Blowpipe 
Only, With- 
out Heads 


1 
2 


6 heads, Nos. 3- 8, inclusive 
4 " " 8-15, 


$57.50 
75.00 


$25.00 
35.00 



For working instructions, see page 6. 




(Figure 10) 

A special drop-forged wrench is supplied free of charge with each 
blowpipe. Additional wrenches may be obtained at the price of 
50 cents each. 



19 




(Figure ll) 
Additional welding heads can be obtained at the following prices : 



Size of Head 


Working Oxygen Pressure 
Pounds Per Square Inch 


Price 


2 


9 


$7.50 


3 


10 


5.0U 


4 


11 


5.00 


5 


12 


5.00 


6 


14 


5.00 


7 


16 


5.00 


8 


19 


7.50 


10 


21 


10.00 


12 


25 


10.00 


15 


30 


12.50 



This table also gives the average oxygen working pressures for 
the various sizes of Fouche blowpipes. 

Intermediate sizes and also larger welding heads will be supplied 
to suit special conditions. Prices on application to the Company. 

All blowpipes are accurately and carefully adjusted. The hole 
in the nozzle of the blowpipe must, under no circumstances, be 
enlarged. 

20 



The following- table gives the approximate thiekness of iron or 
steel plates for which each size of welding head is best adapted, so 
that Cnstomers will be able to select a size of blowpipe suitable for 
their particular requirements. A general idea of the speed at which 
work of this nature can be done may also be gathered from this table, 
in which the approximate foot run welded per hour is given for various 
thicknesses of steel sheets and corresponding blowpipes. The cpian- 
tities of gas consumed per hour by each of these blowpipes are also 
given, together with the a])j)roximate cost of welding j)er foot run. 



Blowpipe 

No. 


Approx- 
imate thick- 
ness of plate 

in inches 


Foot Run 
Per Hour 


Oxygen Con- 
sumption 
Cu. Ft. 
Per Hour 


Acetylene 

Consumption 

Cu. Ft. 

Per Hour 


Approximate 

Cost Per Foot 

Run, Including 

Lal)or 


3 


A 


30 


4 


2h 


$.012 


4 


A 


21 


6 


3f 


.021 


5 


1 

"8 


15 


10 


6 


.037 


6 


A 


6 


16 


10 


.125 


7 


i 


4 


25 


15 


.256 


8 


3 

8 


3 


36 


22 


.456 


10 


1 
2 


2 


45 


28 


.827 



The above figures are average results obtained when working on 
cold plates and are conservative. By previously heating the piece 
to be welded in the neighborhood of the joint, the time and cost of 
making the weld may be reduced from 30 to 50 per cent, in the case 
of plates of I inch thickness and upwards. 

Note — For copper jilates larger blowpipes are required than 
for steel plates of corresponding gauge. 



21 



Oxygen Constant Pressure Regulator 
for Welding. 




(Figure 12) 



Price, 



$30.00 



This is an automatic regulator which is especially recommended 
for blowpipe work. It will deliver oxygen, issuing from the cylinder, 
at a high and varying pressure, at any required low pressure, from 
zero up to 40 pounds per square inch. This latter pressure cannot 
be exceeded, as the safety valve, with which every regulator is fitted, 
then opens and releases the gas, the pressure being registered on 
the low-pressure gauge. The pressure can be adjusted by unscrew- 
ing the thumbscrew to reduce, or by screwing it in to increase the 
pressure. A cock is provided to control and shut off the supply of 
oxygen to the blowpipe. 

When the blowpipe is not in use it is desirable to shut the oxygen 
cylinder valve also, in order to avoid all possibility of leakage. The 
pressure gauge registers the pressure of oxygen in the cylinder, and 
also enables the exact quantity of gas contained in the cylinder to be 
ascertained at any moment. (See note on page 23.) 



Oxygen Constant Pressure Regulator 
for Welding. 




(Figure 13) 

Price, complete as shown, $15.00 

This Regulator possesses the same properties as the one in the 
preceding illustration, but is not fitted with a pressure gauge. 

It can also be supplied with a sjjecial connection for use in con- 
junction with a tank of dissolved acetylene. 

Price, complete with connection, $17-50 

Note — *AI1 cylinders are charged to 120 atmospheres and contain standard 
quantities of gas at this pressure (see table, page .30). When the regulator is attached 
to, say, a standard 100-foot cylinder, the pressure gauge will first register 120 atmos- 
pheres. If after use the pressure has been reduced to 60 atmospheres, the cylinder 
will then contain 

100 X 60 -^ , . , 

— :r^ — = M cubic leet ot oxygen. 

A special drop-forged wrench is supplied free of charge with each 
regulator. Additional wrenches maj^ be obtained at the price of 75 
cents each. 




(Figure 14) 
23 



Hydraulic Back-pressure Valve. 




Price, $17.50 

Although the use of the Hydrauhc Back-pressure Valve is a 
desirable precaution it is in no sense connected with the working of 
the blowpipe, being principally intended to preclude the possibility 
of air at any time passing back into the acetylene generator whilst 
the apparatus is not in operation. Incidentally, it is an additional 
advantage that, should the blowpipe nozzle at any time become 
choked, the back pressure thus caused on the surface of the water 
in the chamber will break the seal at E; should the oxygen supply 
remain unchecked, when both gases will escape into the atmosphere, 
until the cocks at B and C are closed. In this way oxygen can never 
penetrate the acetylene supply pipe beyond the cock B of the 
Hydraulic Back-pressure Valve. 



24 



The action of the Hych-auHc Back-pressure Valve is apparent 
from the diagram (Figure 15). The cock on the acetylene pij>e from 
the gas holder is connecteil to the inlet at B, and the acetylene pipe 
leading to the blowpipe is connected to the outlet C. D is a prim- 
ing cup through which water can be poured into the chamber until 
it overflows at the cock F. The cock on the service line at B must 
be closed whilst the chamber is being filled with water. When 
water shows at the cock F, it must l)e closed and the cock B opened. 
The valve is then in working order. 

The pipe G, leading from below the seal at E to the priming cup, 
is made of sufficient length to hold a column of water ecjual to the 
pressure in the acetylene holder, which would be equal to not less 
than 12 inches of water, and in no case should exceed 20 inches. 

In cases where two or more blowpipes are worked from the same 
acetylene supply pipe, a separate back-pressure valve should be 
employed for each welding station. 



/^ 



Table giving the approximate internal diameter in inches 
of pipe required between the acetylene apparatus and 
the hydraulic back-pressure valve. 



(Low-pressure System) 



Quantity of Acetylene Required 
Per Hour in Cubic Feet 



j 50 
100 
Distance in feet between \ 2OO 
acetylene apparatus and 
hvdraulic back-pressure 
valve yiOOO 

2000 
,3000 



500 



5 


10 


25 


50 


75 
li 


1 


1 


1 


ll 


1 


1 


li 


li 


2 


1 


li 


li 


2 


2 


u 


i\ 


H 


2 


^2 


H 


H 


2 


2i 


2h 


H 


H 


2 


2\ 


3 


i\ 


2 


2i 


3 


3i 



100 

2 

2 

2i 

2i 

3 

31 

4 



With High-pressure Generators, or Dissolved Acetylene, 
These Sizes may be Considerably Reduced. 



Or, 



Instructions for Using the Blowpipe. 

The annexed illustration represents, diagramatically, a complete 
Oxy-Acetjdene Blowpipe installation, with the exception of the acet- 
ylene generator and holder, which may be ])laced in any suitable 
position and at any convenient distance from the blowpipe apparatus. 

In the diagram (Figure 16) B is a cock connecting the inlet nipple 
of the hydraulic back-pressure valve (see pages 24 and 25) with the 
acetylene supply pi])e from the acetylene holder. The l)lowpi]:)e is 
connected at A by means of an ordinary stout rubber tube with the 
outlet C of the hydraulic back-])ressure valve which forms the 
acetylene supj^ly pipe of the blowpipe. 

The blowpipe is connected at by means of a stout rubber tube 
with the outlet cock T of the oxygen pressure regulator (see pages 22, 
23), which is attached, as shown, to the valve on the oxygen cylinder. 
This pipe conveys the oxygen supply to the blowpipe, and should be 
securely attached, as it is subject to pressures varying from 10 pounds 
to 30 pounds per square inch. 

The hydraulic back-pressure valve having been j^reviously charged 
with water in accordance with the instructions on ])ages 24, 25, and 
the gas regulator securely attached to the oxygen cylinder, the blow- 
pipe is ready for use. 

In order to commence work, the outlet cock T should be first 
opened by unscrewing it about two complete turns, but not more 
than four turns. The cylinder valve is now slowly and carefully 
opened by turning the small hand wheel. Then by means of the 
adjustable screwed socket P of the constant jiressure regulator, set 
the pressure of the oxygen to the correct working pressure (see table 
on page 20). This pressvn-e is indicated on the small gauge. Both 
the acetylene and oxygen gases are shut off when the lever H is 
pointed downwards if the blowpipe is held in a horizontal position. 
Now turn the lever H in the direction of the rotation of the hands 
of a clock and when acetylene comes from the nozzle of the blowpipe 
ignite the jet, continue to turn the lever H until both acetylene and 
oxygen issue from the nozzle, thereby giving the correctly adjusted 
flame. This is correct when the small luminous cone of flame at the 
nozzle of the blowj)ipe shows a sharply defined outline. 



26 




27 



Notes on the Practical Operation 
of the Blowpipe. 

The working pressure for oxygen as indicated by the numerals 
on the dial of the low-pressure gauge of the regulator should not be 
too rigidly adhered to. Even in blowpipes of the same size, the con- 
ditions must vary somewhat, and a little practical experience will 
soon indicate the most favorable working conditions. 

If the flame is not properly regulated it may fire back and become 
extinguished. In this case the gases should be shut off for a few 
seconds when the flame may be re-ignited. 

When work is carried on continuously for the entire time without 
interruption, the nozzle of the blowpipe becomes warm, and it will 
be found necessary to occasionally slightly increase the acetylene 
sup])ly. It is advantageous, from time to time, to cool the end of 
the blowpipe by immersing it in a bucket of water. 

No reamer or other sharp instrument should be used in the nozzle 
of the blowpipe (see page 20). If the hole in the nozzle gets obstructed 
at any time through beads of iron being splashed into it or from 
any other cause, it should be cleaned with a wire brush or a piece of 
soft iron wire. 

On closing work temporarily the lever H should be turned round 
still further until both gases are turned off, then the outlet cock T 
may be shut. 

When work is completely stopped, the oxygen cylinder should 
also be shut off by closing the valve, and the pressure thus released 
from the regulator (see page 22). 

As regards the cost of the process much depends on the nature 
of the work and the capacity and skill of the workman, but it may 
be stated generally that the system compares very favorably with 
the cost of riveting or brazing. It is not claimed that the system will 
entirely supersede ordinary forge welding or even electric welding, 
but the blowpipe is such a clean, convenient, and portable tool that 
it enables a large variety of difficult and complicated welding to be 
done "in situ" where riveting or brazed joints would otherwise be 
necessary. It, therefore, greatly extends the scope of welding. 



28 



As an example of the quality of the work, it may he stated that 
plates of iron or steel, in thickness from 20-gauge upwards, when 
welded together by the Fouche Blowpipe have proved stronger at 
the joint than in the body of the plate. Tests of bars of iron fused 
together by this system have given an ultimate tensile strength of 
over 29 tons per square inch at the joint. 

The speed with which the welding can be done varies to a con- 
siderable extent with the character of the job, the capacity of the 
workman and his skill in handling the blowjjipe. It may, however, 
be stated that any ordinary workman of average intelligence very 
quickly becomes proficient in the application of this method. 

The Company will at any time be glad to weld samples of work 
free of charge, and engineers, manufacturers, and others interested 
are cordially invited to send samples for this purpose. All such 
samples will be promptly dealt with and returned to the sender for 
inspection. If desired, arrangements can be made for the sender 
to witness the treatment of his own samples of work. 



Oxygen. 

Special Industrial Rates. 

Oxygen for use with the Fouche Blowpipe can be obtained in the 
Company's cylinders at the price of 2 cents per cubic foot. 

These cylinders, which will each contain 100 cubic feet, will 
remain the property of the Company and will be loaned free of 
charge, subject to the terms and conditions here below. 

Oxygen for use with the Fouche Blowpipe in the Customers' 
cylinders can be obtained at the price of 1.5 cents per cubic foot; 
therefore, Customers who are constant users of compressed gases 
will find it more economical and convenient to purchase their own 
cylinders, sending them to the works of the Comijany to be refilled 
when necessary. 

Reductions on the above prices will be made in cases where very 
large quantities of oxygen for welding are required at regular inter- 
vals. 



29 



Rent. 

Rent is charged after the first month, as ])er jjarticulars below, 
on all cylinders lent out by the Company. In case a Customer, 
having incurred a rent charge on a cylinder, decides to purchase the 
cylinder, according to the circumstances, the Company may remit a 
portion or all of the charges for rent. 



Contents in 
Cubic Feet 


Approximate Weight 
in Pounds 


Price of Cylinder 
with Valve 


Rent Per Week After 
the First Month 


5* 


6 


$6.50 




25 


28i 


8.50 


$0.50 


50 


62 


12.00 


.75 


100 


132 


20.00 


1.00 



*This size of cylinder cannot be hired. 

Hired cylinders should be returned to the Company whenever 
the,y are finished with to avoid rent charges accumulating. A label 
bearing the Customer's name should always be attached to a cylinder 
when it is returned to the Company's works. 

The Company allows no credit for return of gas, as, in accordance 
with their regulations, cylinders which have been used are always 
emptied before being refilled. It is, therefore, well to note that gas 
returned is gas wasted. Oxygen never deteriorates by being kept 
in cylinders. 



30 



Cylinders. 



The cylinders in which oxygen is sujiplied by the Company at a 
pressure of 120 atmospheres are of seamless steel, and are manu- 
factured under careful supervision, and in accordance with the Com- 
pany's regulations and to their own specifications (see page 6). 
These cylinders are made in various sizes to suit the requirements of 
individual Customers. A screwed cap is fitted to all cylinders, 
except the smallest size, to protect the valve, which is of special con- 
struction and requires no key nor spanner to manipulate it. The 
valve is capable of very fine adjustment by means of the small 
hand wheel. 

No cylinders, other than those supplied by the Company, can be 
accepted for refilling. A special register of all such cylinders is kept 
at the works. 



Numbering of Cylinders. 

All cylinders, whether belonging to the Company or to a Cus- 
tomer, are numbered and stamped by the Comjiany in accordance 
with their own test books, and entered in the Company's cylinder 
register. This plan is adopted by the Company in order to retain 
the life record of each cylinder passing through their hands. 



Testing and Annealing Marks. 

The Company beg to draw the attention of their Customers to 
their cylinder specification, testing and annealing marks as below. 
All cylinders filled by the Company (whether their own or their 
Customers) bear one or more of these marks. As a guarantee that 
the cylinder has been annealed, tested and proved sound, in accord- 
ance with the Company's regulations, after being manufactured 
under careful supervision to the Company's specifications, the ^j^ 
mark will be found stamped on the shoulder. • ' " 



31 



Proving of Cylinders. 

Re-annealing of cylinders takes place at intervals not exceeding 
about four years. The annealing mark of the Company is |A, 

The charges for annealing are as under : v 

Cylinders up to and including 50 cubic feet capacity, each, . $2.50 
Cylinders over 50 cubic feet capacity, 3.00 

All cylinders are tested hydraulically after annealing to a pressure 
of 3,600 pounds per square inch and afterwards registered. The 
Company retest all cylinders periodically, the charges for which are 
as follows: 

100-cubic feet size, $2.50 each. 

50 " " " j 

25 [■ 2.00 " 

a periodical retesting being necessary as much in the interest of 
the Customer as of the Company. The above charges, which are 
payable in advance, are exclusive of cost of freight to and from 
the works. The test mark of the Company is /y\ 

No cylinders will be refilled by the Company without: 

a. Retesting, if a greater period than four years has elapsed since 
the date of the last test, and 

b. Re-annealing and retesting, if a greater period than four years 
has elapsed since the last date of annealing. 

The Company will not be held liable for any cylinders which fail 
to stand the test after use or after re-annealing. 

For iflentification purposes all oxygen cylinders are painted red. 



Painting. 



For the convenience of Customers owning cylinders the Com- 
pany repaint them when necessary if desired, at the following prices : 

100-cubic feet size, $0.50 each. 

50 " " " 35 " 

25 " " " 25 " 

5 " " " 15 " 



32 



Fittings and Sundries. 

Special high-pressure hosejjipe for attachment to the blowpipes 
and regulators will he suj)plie(l at 20 cents j)er foot, net. 

Owing to the intensity of the illumination created at the base of 
the Oxy-Acetylene flame by the combustion of the carbon, it is 
necessary to protect the eyes when using the blowi)ipe by means of 
darkened glass spectacles. These the Company will be glad to 
supply to Customers at $1.50 each per pair, net. 

The Company not being makers of Pressure Gauges do not 
guarantee these articles in any respect. 



Welding Cast Iron. 

Feroflux is supplied by the Comjjany in tins, each containing about 
10 pounds, at the price of $10.00 i^er tin. Full instructions are sup- 
plied with every shipment. 

Welding sticks, consisting of a special cast-iron alloy, which is 
used in conjunction with feroflux for welding cast iron, are supplied 
by the Company at 25 cents per pound. 



Welding Steel. 



Norway Iron Wire can he obtained in two gauges: 
No. 8, B. & S., for heavy work, . $0.12 per pound. 

" 16, '" " light " . . .14 " 

The above prices include packing and delivery at the works at 
Buftalo. 

For information in regard to the production of oxygen, write 
for circular B. 

The Company will at all times be glad to submit tenders for 
any special apparatus required by Customers for the generation 
of high temperatures in conjunction with the use of oxygen. 

The prices in this catalogue are subject to alteration without 
notice, and supersede all previous prices. 



33 



Welding Notes. 



It should be liorne in mind that notwithstanding its simpHcity 
and the ease with which the Oxy-Acetylene Blowpipe can be handled, 
it is only by proper manipulation that satisfactory results can be 
obtained. Attention is therefore particularly drawn to the following 
notes: 

1. The proper regulation of the flame should be carefully at- 
tended to. Excess of acetylene will give a reducing flame, whilst 
too much oxygen will burn the work. The flame will be neutral in 
character if adjusted in accordance wath the instructions on page 26. 
If the weld has a fine, spongy appearance, this is certain evidence of 
the fact that the flame is of an oxidizing nature* due to an insufficient 
supply of acetylene, and that the work is burnt. 

2. An autogenous weld is a "butt- weld." Only in the case of 
comparatively thin copper tube should the parts be "lapped." 

3. Careful attention must be paid to the preparation of the parts 
to be welded. In the case of wrought iron and steel, the pieces at 
the weld must generally be champfered oft' at an angle of 45 degrees, 
so as to enable the flame to come into direct contact with the whole 
of the surfaces to be united, thus: 



,-90°-^ 



7 



(Figure 17) 

The groove formed by the champfered edges is filled by fusing in 
steel wire whilst maintaining the bottom and sides in a state of 
fusion. The wire must not be fused in unless the bottom and sides 
of the groove are also in a state of fusion. This is the secret^of 
successful welding. 

4. Commence at the nearest point and work "away from the 
person." The blowpipe should be maintained at a uniform distance 
— about 1/3-' inch with the smallest size, to about \ inch with the 
largest size — from the work, and advanced slowly and regularly. A 
slight side movement or oscillation of the nozzle wmU be found useful, 
particularly for "finishing." 



.34 



5. Where the maximum strenjith obtainable is required it is 
desirable, if possible, to weld from both sides, thus: 



L 



X 



(Figure 18) 

This is particularly advantageous with heavy work as it enables 
a much smaller blowpipe to be used than is necessary if the welding 
all be done from one side. The amount of filling is in this case only 
one-half what it would otherwise be, and the cost of the work and 
time required are correspondingly reduced. 

6. For "filling" use open hearth soft steel or soft Norway iron 
wire when welding mild steel. Nothing heavier than about No. 14 
gauge should be employed. For heavy work, two, three or more 
pieces of No. 14 gauge may be twisted together. For light work 
No. 20 gauge will be found very useful. 

7. In making long welds it will be observed that the edges to be 
united have a great tendency to overlap as soon as welding is com- 
menced. This "creeping" is due to the increased expansion of the 
edges being welded owing to the intense local heat of the flame. 

Instead of attempting to overcome this by clam])ing or pinning 
the pieces, allowance should be made for it in setting the pieces, thus ; 



too' 




(Figure 19) 



The exact amount of the opening required will vary somewhat 
with the size, thickness and nature of the material being welded, but, 
generally speaking, the ends away from the joint where the weld 
commences should open a distance equal to about 2\ per cent, of the 
total length of the weld. Then as the weld progresses the edges of 
the pieces will gradually come together. 

35 



8. In welding fractured castings it is not always necessary to 
champfer the edges of the pieces to be united. It is, however, essen- 
tial that the material should be "run" right through, and this can be 
done by means of the blowpipe. For welding cast iron Feroflux is 
necessary, and the use as a "filler" of special cast rods, rich in silicon, 
is also recommended, as only in this way can "Bessemerization" 
of the casting be prevented, and a "finished" weld obtained which 
is soft and may be easily machined (see page 33). 

In dealing with complicated castings, such as cyKnders of auto- 
mobile engines, precautions have to be taken to prevent new fractures 
developing from expansion and contraction owing to internal strains 
set up by the intensity of the local heat. In such cases it is fre- 
quently desirable to pack the casting with molders' sand, covering 
over the openings with a little fire clay to prevent the sand from 
falling out. (Asbestos wool may be used as a substitute for this if 
more convenient.) The casting should then be heated up in any con- 
venient manner to a dull red heat and the blowpipe applied when it 
is in this condition. After completing the weld the casting should be 
allowed to cool off very slowly. From 12 to 20 hours should be 
allowed if this is possible. 

Apart from preheating, for the reason referred to in the previous 
notes, preheating is also valuable in that the time and cost of making 
the weld may be reduced from 30 to 50 per cent, by previously heat- 
ing the piece to be welded in the neighborhood of the joint. 



36 



Some "Oxy-Acetylene" Repairs. 

One of the most important features of this method of wehling 
is the remarkal>le success with which it may be appHed to repair 
work — more particularly in repairing castings. There seems to be 
practically no limitation to its use in this way. No casting is too 
heavy for it and none too light. 

The following illustrations have been selected at random from a 
great many other photographs of work which has actually been 
carried out by the Oxy-Acetylene Blowpipe. 




CAST STEEL PINION, WEIGHT, 4,000 LBS., REPAIRED BY 
THE OXY-ACETYLENE BLOWPIPE. 



37 




EXAMPLES OF ORNAMENTAL IRONWORK WELDED BY MEANS OF 
THE OXY-ACETYLENE BLOWPIPE. 



38 





SIDE ROD OF LOCOMOTIVE REPAIRED BY THE 
OXY-ACETYLENE BLOWPIPE. 



39 




40 





EXAMPLES OF ORNAMENTAL IRONWORK WELDED BY MEANS OF 
THE OXY-ACETYLENE BLOWPIPE. 



41 




HIGH-PRESSURE STEAM DRYER. 

ALL PARTS WELDED BY THE OXY-ACETYLEXE BLOWPIPE AXD 

TESTED TO 600 LBS. PER SQUARE IXCH 

HYDRAULIC PRESSURE. 



42 




ORNAMENTAL GRILLE WELDED BY THE OXY-ACETYLENE BLOW 

PIPE CONSISTING OF 422 INDIVIDUAL PIECES. 

NO HOLES DRILLED. NO RIVETS USED. 



43 




TRANSFORMER CASE WITH TUBES WELDED IN BY THE 
OXY-ACETYLENE BLOWPIPE. 



44 



.aiSSffiSfe..^. 




COLD SHUTS IN CAST-IRON FIRE POT REPAIRED BY THE 
OXY-ACETYLENE BLOWPIPE. 



45 




o d 



46 




■'^Pl 



CAST-IRON CYLINDERS AND MALLEABLE IRON ELBOWS REPAIRED 
BY THE OXY-ACETYLENE BLOWPIPE. 

(FLANGES BITLT UP AND WELDED.) 





STEEL CAR BOLSTER REPAIRED BY THE OXY-ACETYLENE 
BLOWPIPE. 



47 




• JfP.w-^'" ^ 




DROP FORGED AUTOMOBILE AXLE REPAIRED BY 
THE OXY-ACETYLENE BLOWPIPE. 




ALUMINUM CRANK CASE REPAIRED BY THE 
OXY-ACETYLENE BLOWPIPE. 



48 




ALUMINUM CRANK CASE REPAIRED BY THE 
OXY-ACETYLENE BLOWPIPE. 




LIGHT STEEL DRUMS WELDED BY THE 
OXY-ACETYLENE BLOWPIPE. 



49 



)UN ir 19M 



■^ii' 



One copy del. to Cat. Div. 



JUN \^M*^ 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




